Washing apparatus



1 F. BRECKENRIDGE WASHING APPARATUS Filed April 23, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet1 E G. m f m M Em o WK M 5m K N m F.

F'UQJ.

WITNESSES:

April 1942. F. BRECKENRIDGE 2,278,911

WASHING APPARATUS Filed A ril 23, 1938 s Sheets-SheetQ ms T WITNESSES: Mv INVENTOR I FRANK BRECKENRIDGE- m 2.! 10B ATTORNE F. BRECKENRIDGEWASHING APPARATUS Filed April 23, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVETOR ATTOR YFIG. 3.

WITNESSES:

Patented Apr. 7, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Frank nrecx eT-iiifmmnem, z g ikmr to Westinghouse Electric & Mann! g Company, EastPittsbnrgh,"la., a corporation of vania Pennsyi Claims.

My invention relates to apparatus for washing fabrics or the like andhas for an object .to provide improved apparatus of this kind.

It is a further'object' of the invention to provide improved meansforagitating the washing fluid. in a laundry machine and for spinningthe fluid from the fabrics being washed.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved washingmachine wherein agitation ,of the washing fluid is effected in acontainer structure that may be rotated for discharging the fluidtherefrom and for the extraction of fluid from thefabrics being washed.

A further object of the invention is to effect agitation of the washingfluid in a container by means, rotating unidirectionallmand tocentrifugally discharge the fluid from the container and the fabricstherein by rotating the container. I

A further object of the invention is to provide combined washer andspinner wherein the fabrics being washed are uniformly distributed inthe container when the spinning operation is initrifugal action for theextraction of washing fluid from its contents.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved laundrymachine in which the amount of water admitted thereto is not critical toefllcient operation.

These and other objects are eifected by my invention, as will beapparent from the following.

description and claims taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, forming a part of this application, in which:

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional-view of my 1m; v

proved washing apparatus and is taken alongthe line I-I of Fig. 2;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 with the toppanelremoved and other portions broken away for the sake of clearness;

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along' certain portions theline III1II of Fig. 2, with shown in elevation;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 'IV-IV of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the speed reducing mechanism and is takenalong theline V-V 01 Fig. l; y

Fig. 6 isa sectional view of a detail shown in Fig. 3; and

7 is a diagram of the electrical connections which may be employed whenthe apparatus is operated automatically for effecting "a predeterminedseries of steps in a washing program.

Reference will now be had to the drawings wherein I have shown myinvention applied to a domestic type washing machine including a hasketor tube structure I having an imperforate bottom portion- II and ,aplurality of fluid discharge openings l2 circumferentially spaced in anupper portion of the side wall I3 thereof for a purpose to be referredto hereinafter. The side wall l3 preferably tapers outwardly andupwardly as shown and includes an inwardly extending flange portion I4that defines an access opening l5 at the top of the basket. The basketI0 is preferably maintained stationary during washing periods and, asdescribed hereinafter, is rotated during drying or spinning periods.Accordingly. the basket I0 is journalled, preferably,

on the exterior of a vertical cylindrical column l8 that iscarried by acradle structure ll disposed below the basket. The basket Ill and itssupporting cradle structure II are enclosed in a casin generallyindicated at It and including a frame l9 and flnishing'side panels 2|secured thereto. The casing It also includes a top panel 22 having anopening 23 formed therein. and aligned substantially with the opening 15inthe basket ID. The opening 23 provides access to the basket for theinsertion and removal of the articles to be washed. I

As is more fully described hereinafter, agitation of the washing wateris provided by a pump 24 disposed in the bottom of the basket l0 andincluding an impeller 25 of suitable form and disposed within a pumpcasing 26. .The latter is secured to the basket l0 and is provided witha plurality of fluid inlet openings 21. A substantiallyhorizontalpartition 28 is disposed in the bottom portion of the basketIll and defines a sump 29 from which water passes to the inlet openings21 of the pump casing 26. The partition '28 forms the bottom of awashing chamber 3| and prevents the articles being washed fromgravitating to the sump 29. Preferably, the inner portion of thepartition is imperforate and its outer portion is extending fluiddischarge openings 33 above the partition2 8. The upper portion 26A. ofthe pump casing 26-forms a centrally disposed cone 34 within the washingchamber 3| which cone may be hollow .as shown. The interior of the cone34 may be closed by a suitable closure or cap 34A for preventingadmission of water to the interior for preventing leakage of wfiter fromthe pump,

casing 26 to the bearing 38. The seal 39 may be carried by aninwardlyextending web 40 formed in the bottom of the pump casing 26 and coveringthe bearings 31. The washing action produced by the impeller pump 24will be described in detail hereinafter.

- As stated heretofore, the basket I is rotated for the purpose ofdischarging the washing fluid therefrom and for the extraction of. fluidfrom the articles being washed. The mechanism for effecting rotation ofthe basket .will now be described.

Rotation of the basket I6 is effected by the.

motor 36 and, preferably, at a lower speed than the speed of theimpeller shaft 35 so that a speedreducing mechanism 4| in interposedbetween the shaft 35 and the basket. The speed reducing mechanism 4| mayinclude a relatively slow speed element or sleeve 42 that is journalledon the cylindrical column I6. The sleeve 42 drives the basket l0 througha clutch 43, the latter being shown of the cone type but which may be ofany other suitable construction. The driving element of the clutch 43 isshown at 44 connected to the sleeve 42 and the driven element 45 of theclutch 43 is splined to a hub 46 secured to the underside of the basketI0. As shown, the

. hub may be formed integral with the pump casing 26 and it is betweenthe hub 46 and the cylindrical column l5 that the anti-friction bearings7 3 1 are arranged.

Operation of the clutch 43 may be effectedin any suitable manner whenthe washing apparatus is operated as a non-automatic machine.

As a washer constructed in accordance with my invention is particularlyadaptable for automatic operation wherein a predetermined'program ofsteps is effected cyclically, I have chosen to disclose it as anautomatic washer. Accordingly, the movable or driven clutch element 45is actuated electrically, preferably, by an electro-magnet 41 having awinding 43 and a movable armature 49. The latter may be connected to abell crank 5| pivoted at 52 and having an 4 arm 53 for'actuating thedriven element 45 of the clutch '43. Movement of the arm 53 may beimparted to the clutch element 45 by means 0f pins 54 secured in the armand-extending into an annular groove 55 formed on the clutch element 45.The clutch 43 is biased to its open position by suitable means, such asa torsion spring 56 which urges the hell crank 5| in clockwisedirectionabout its pivot 52.- Energization of the magnet winding 46'attracts its armature 49 and effects counter-clockwise movement of thebell crank 5| whereby the clutch element 45 is moved axially intoengagement with the driving element 44 of the clutch 43.

Deceleration of the basket "I maybe effected by a brake, generallyindicated by the numeral 51 and including a stationary member 58 securedto the cradle l1, and an annular face 59 formed on the driven element45. When the clutch is moved to its open position, as shown, the face 59of the 'drivenelement' 45 "engages the stationary braking member 53 anddeceleration of the driven clutch element 45 and the basket I ll splinedthereto is effected.

The employment of the brake 51 to maintain the basket l0 stationary isoptional. it may be desirable to permit slow rotation. or oscillation ofthe basket by the agitatedbody of water therein during washing periodsas it has been found that such operation improves the washing action incertain types of washers. This is due to the shifting of the body offluid and the fabrics thereinrelative to the agitator means, and,

therefore, the more even distribution of the work done by the agitator.

The driven sleeve 42 of the speed reducing mechanism 4| may be providedwith an internal gear 63 disposed within a gear chamber 64 and driven bya, pinion 65 through idler-gears 66 and 61, see Fig. 5. The pinion 65 isdriven by the shaft 35 at relatively high speed, for example, 1750 R. P.M. and the speed reduction is v such that the sleeve 42 is operated atapproximately 500 R. ,P. M. Preferably, the sleeve 42 and shaft 35rotate in the same direction. As will be more apparent from thedescription which follows, the sleeve 42 and shaft 35 rotate at alltimes that the washer is operated.

The cylinder column I6 which defines the support for the basket l6 maybe secured in position by bolts 66 which are threaded in a flange 69formed on the bottom of the column |6. The

-bolts 68 secure the column l6 to a cover 1| carried by'thecradlestructure "and closing the gear chamber 64. The flange69 is cut away forproviding a recess 12 for the idler gears 66 and 61 as best shown inFig. 5. The bolts 68 whichex tend through the recess 12 may defineaxles' for the idler gears 56 and 61.

A steady bearing 13 for. the lower end of the impeller shaft 35 iscarried by the cover 1|. A gland or stufling box 14 may be employed forpreventing the loss of lubricant from the gear chamber 64, the g landbeing disposed below the bearing 13 as shown.

The motor 36 for actuating the impeller 25 and the basket I. is carriedby brackets 15 which depend from the cover 1|. A conventional coupling16 may be employed for connecting the shaft of the motor 36 and thelower end of the impeller shaft 35.

The specific form of speed reducing and clutch mechanism which I havedisclosed forms no part of the present invention and illustrates but oneof many mechanisms which may be employed for effecting relatively highspeed operationof the impeller shaft 35 and intermittent lower speedoperation of the-basket 16 about a common axis. The supplying of waterto the basket may be effected in any suitable manner. As shown in Fig.3, apair of conduits 11 and 13 areprovided for connection to respectivehot and cold water sources. The hot and'cold water commingle 'iil amixing chamber 13 which 'is' connected bya conduit 8| to a dischargenozzle 8 2,v the latter overhanging the basket "I. Water discharged fromthe nozzle 82 enters the basket I through washing chamber 3|.

its opening l5, and is preferably directed by the nozzle 82 toward thecenter member 34. An overflow opening 80 may be provided in the sidewalll3 of the basket for preventing overfllling of the basket, which opening80 is slightly above the normal water line.

Suflicient structure has now been disclosed to describe the washingaction which is effected in the basket I0. Water and a detergent, suchas soap are admitted to the basket ID, the normal level of the fluidbeing indicated by the broken line. The articles or fabrics to be washedare placed in. the fluid and the motor 36 is energized. During washingperiods, the clutch 43 is open so that the basket If) is substantiallystationary. The motor 36 operates to rotate the impeller 25 wherebyfluid from the sump 29 is drawn into the pump casing 26 through theopenings 2'! and discharged ,at relatively high velocity through thedischarge openings 33 into the bottom of the the fabrics, which fluidflows upwardly within the tapered side wall H of the basket l and'isdischarged through the openings l2. Clear water may be supplied at thistime through the nozzle 82 for providing a spray rinse whereby a portionof the soap remaining in the fabrics is dissolved and carried away bythe rinse water. Vibration which is caused by an unbalanced. load duringthe washing chamber 3|. The discharged fluid passing over the partition28 induces outward movement of the body of fluid in the bottom of theSome ofthe fluid passes through the openings 32 to the sump 29 but themajority of the fluid after moving radially over the partition 28 movesupwardly within the I tapered wall l3 of the basket l0 and thenceinwardly towards the cone 3 at the center of the basket. The fluid thendescends adjacent the cone 34 and is again motivated by the fluiddischargedfrom the openings 33. The movement of 'the turbulent fluid inthe basket is shown by the arrows in Fig. 1. I

The fabrics in the basket are carried by the fluid and agitated therein,the soils in the fabrics being removed by the detergent fluid after aperiod of operation, the duration of which depends upon the condition ofthe soils. The method of cleansingfabrics described heretofore is wellunderstood in the art so that further description of the same is deemedunnecessary.

In accordance with my invention, the basket I0 is rotated fordischarging the water therefrom and for extracting a substantial portionof the water from the clothes. This operation is eflected after thewashing operation is completed. Engagement of the clutch 43 initiatesrotation of the basket it by the motor 36 through the speed reducingmechanism ll. As the basket I] accelerates, the fluid therein movesoutwardly and upwardly due to centrifugal action and passes through thedischarge openings l2. A baffle 33 of cylindrical configurationsurrounds the'basket and is engaged by the fluid projected through theopenings l2. Fluid draining from the bafl'le 33 is collected in anannular trough or pan .4 disposed below the lower edge of the baffle 33and supported by the cradle structure Il. discharged from the pan 34 inany suitable manner, such as, for example, by means of a pump 85 drivenby the motor 36. A conduit licennects the pan II with the inlet of thepump and a second conduit 31, such as, for example, a flexible hose,conveys the fluid from the pump to a point of discharge.

luid isv The fabrics are maintained in a separated and spinningoperation is reduced to a minimum by the more even distribution of thefabrics in the basket ID. This feature of my invention is particularlydesirable when employed in a washer operating automatically wherein thetransition from the washing step to the spinning or fluid extractingstep is effected without manual attention.

After the washing and spinning of the fabrics has been completed, flnalrinsing of the fabrics is effected. The operation of the apparatus isthe same as described heretofore except that -rinse water is usedinstead of water and a detergent. The clear rinse water may becirculated and agitated by the pump until substantiallyall of the soapdifluses in the water and is discharged when spinning of the basket-iseffected.

The washing and spinning structure, described heretofore, may beflexibly mounted within the casing structure IQ for reducing vibrationsimparted to the latter, particularly during the extracting or spinningperiods. -Any suitable mechanism may be employed for flexibly mountingthe washer structure. The supporting mechanism may include a pair ofverticaltubular members 9|, the lower ends of the tubular members 9|being secured to and carrying the cradle structure H. The tubularmembers 9| are suspended from a gimbal ring 32,- the latter encompassingthe bailie 33 in spaced relation. OppositeIy disposed bearings 93 areprovided in the gimbal ring for receiving studs projecting from thetubular members 9|. The gimbal ring 92 is provided with oppositelydisposed hubs 95 that are supported in bearings 36 in equalizer barsshown at 81, which hubs 95 are spaced from the studs 94 carried by thevertical members 3|.

The equalizer bars 91 are carried by vertical connecting rods 33 whichare supported by the vframe l3. Ball and socket connections 39 areprovided between the connecting rods 38 and the frame It and between theconnecting rods 98 and the equalizer bars 31. A pair of inertiastabilizers IM may be carried by the vertical members 9| adjacent thetop thereof. the stabilizers llll defining a support for the bailie 33.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the connectingrods 38 and the equalizer bars 91 define the sole support for the gimbalring 92, the latter carrying the vertical members 3|; the-"cradlestructure 11 and the apparatus supported thereby. Rocking move-' ment ofthe rotating elements of the washer in vertical planes normal to eachother is provided by the pivotably mounted gimbal ring 32 and thepivoted connection between the ring 92 and. the vertical tubular members3|. Movement of the gimbal ring 32 horizontally is provided by theconnecting rods "and their ball and socket connections 93 to theequalizer bars 91 and the casing structure It. Accordingly, the verticalaxis of the basket ldis free to shift horizontally in any direction andmay rock in any vertical plane.

Movemept of the flexibly mounted structure is opposed by its mass. Theamplitude of movement of said structure for a given unbalanced load-maybe maintained within predetermined limits by varying the mass of, theinertia stabilizers IOI. Vibration of the casing structure I! iseliminated, substantially, by the flexible mounting of the rotatingelements and their supporting structure so that the washer may beconstructed as a portable machine and operation of the same eliectedwithout any special foundation provisions or securing the casing to thelaundry floor.

A mentioned heretofore, my improved washer is particularly adaptable forautomatic operation wherein washing, rinsing and spinning of the fabricsbeing cleansed are automatically effected for predetermined periodsof-time. The apparatus may readily be adapted for automatic operationbecause of the simplified mechanism for effecting the washing of thefabrics, the discharge of water from the apparatus and the extraction ofwater from the fabrics. The only automatic operation necessary duringtransition from the washing period to the water discharging andextraction periods is the adjustment of j and 10 to the mixing chamber10 is controlled by respective electrically operated valves I03 and I04.The valves I03 and I04 may be actuated by solenoids I05 and I00,respectively. 'As the construction and operation of such valves is wellknown in the art, further description of them is deemed unnecessaryotherthan to state that they are open when their solenoids are energized andare closed when the solenoids are deenergized. The motor 30,- andsolenoidsv I05 and I and the clutch magnet winding 40 are energizablefrom a suitable source of power represented by line conductors L1 and L:in Fig.1.

Reference will now be had to the electrical diagram (Fig. 7), wherein Ihave shown a time control mechanism I01 including a drum switch I00driven by a motor I09 of the type commonly employed for operation ofclocks. The drum switch I08 is shown in development and includes aplurality of stationary contact fingers I09 to H2, inclusive, and adrumI I3 having a plurality of electrically connected movable segmentsH3 to H1, inclusive, cooperating with said fingers.

A'shaft IIB of the drum switch is driven by the motor I09 through aspeedreducing mechanism H9. It will be understood that the developeddrum I08 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow .when actuated bythe shaft H0. The

drum switch I 03 is provided with a handle or the knob I and whichdrives the drum I08 when.

the motor I00 is operated.

Temperature control of the water admitted to solenoid I00. Thethermostat I23 may include a snapacting bimetallic member I25 disposedin heat transfer relation with the water in the mixing chamber foractuating the switch I24. When the temperature of the water in themixing chamber 10 is below a predetermined value, the bimetallic memberholdsits switch I24 open -so that the cold water solenoid is deenergizedand only hot water is delivered, to the mixing chamber 19. As thetemperature of the water increases to asecond value, the bimetallicelement closes the switch I24 so that the solenoid I00 isenergized andcold water is delivered to the mixing chamber for mixture with the hotwater.

Adjustment of the thermostat I23 may be provided for varying thetemperature of the water delivered to the basket I0. This feature is,deslrable as diflerent fabrics require different wash watertemperatures. In order to vary the water temperature, at which the,switch I24 is opened, a small heater I20 may be provided for thebimetallic element I25, which heater I20 is controlled by a temperatureselector switch I21.

whenthe heater I20 is energized, the bimetal element I25 is subjected toheat from both the heater I20 and the water so that it operates the Oneform of thermostat 23 which maybe'employed is structurally shown in Fig.6. A relatively thin plate I3I having high heat conducting properties issecured to the wall of themixing chamber 19 and covers an opening formedin the wall so that the water inthe mixing chamber 15 is in contact withthe plate -I3I. The thermostatic element I25 is secured to the plate I3Iin heat transfer relation therewith. Accordingly,

temperature changes in the water are quickly reflected by thethermostatic element I25. Stationary contacts I32 and I33 of the switchare shown carried by an insulating cover I34 which is recessed forhousing the thermostatic element I25. A movable contact I35 is actuatedby the thermostatic element I25 and bridges the contacts I32 and I33 inthe closed position of the switch I24. The heater I20 is shown securedto the thermostatic element in heat transfer relathe basket I0 may beprovided by a thermostat- I23 including a switch I24 connected incircuit with one of the valve solenoids. As shown, the switch 24 is incircuit with the cold water valve tion therewith. The conductors thatare connected to the contacts I32 and I33 and the heater I20 are showndiagrammatically and enter the recess of the cover I34 through anopening I30. The temperature selector switch I21 and the motor driventime switch I01 may be carried on one of the side panels 2| of thecasing structure I8 where they are accessible to the operator, (see Fig.2). V

' Operation connected solenoids I and I05 include theline conductor L1,finger IIO, segments II3-and II4, finger III, a conductor I38, solenoidsI05 and I03 and the line conductor L2.

Rotation of the impeller 25 is effected by the main motor 36 and thetimer motor I00 operates to rotate the drum switch I08. Water at the 7selected temperature is delivered to thebasket I0, as the valves I03 andI04 are opened by their respective solenoids. Flow of water to thebasket I0 continues until the drum switch I08 disengages the segment II4 from the finger III. The period of time that the valves I03 and I04are maintained open by the engagement of the finger III and segment H4is sufficient to fill the basket with water to the proper level. Someslight vari- ,.ation in the amount of water .delivered to the basket I0may be caused by variations in water pressure. The operation of myimproved washer is not affected by the slight differences in the amountof water delivered thereto that would be caused by pressure variationsordinarily encountered.

It will'be understood at this time that the basket I0 is. stationary, asthe clutch magnet winding 48 is deenergized and, therefore, the clutchelements 44 and 45 are disengaged and the brake 51 is applied.

Agitation of the washing fluid in the chamber 3| is effected by theimpeller 25, as described heretofore, for a predetermined period of timedetermined by the spacing of the segments H4 and H5 of the drum switchI08. At the end of the washing period the segment II5 engages thestationary contact finger III whereby the clutch magnet winding 48 isenergized through a circuit including the line conductor L1, the contactfinger I I 0, the segments H3 and H5, finger III, a conductor I39, theclutch solenoid winding 48 and the line conductor L2. e

Energization of the magnet winding 48 effects engagement of the clutch48, as described heretofore, whereupon rotation of the basket I0 isinitiated. The washing fluid moves outwardly due to centrifugal actionand is discharged through the openings I2 into engagement with thebaffle 83 and drains to the pan 84. is discharged from the pan 84 toa,point of discharge by means of the pump 85. The fabrics being washedare moved outwardly in contact with the wall I3 of the basket I0 bycentrifugal action and a substantial quantity of the washing fluidcontained therein is extracted, which fluid passes to the pan 84 asdescribed. Extraction of fluid from the fabrics continues until thecontact segment I I5 disengages the finger II2 whereupon the clutchmagnet winding 48 is deenergized and the clutchf43 is opened.Accordingly the brake ,5! is applied and rotation of the basket is teraVibration of the ning or extracting period is reduced to a minienergizedby the engagement of segment I I1 and finger II! for initiating spinningof the basket. The rinse water is discharged from the basket bycentrifugal action and the fabrics are spun for the extraction'of rinsewater therefrom. After a predetermined period of spinning, the drumswitch is moved to its "on." po'sition,.wherein both the main motor 35,the timer motor I03 and the clutch solenoid 48 are deenergized. The drumI08 has completed a revolution and is conditioned for anothercycle. Thefabrics are then removed from the basket for further dry- The foregoingdescription relates to one program of steps automatically effected inaccordance with the invention, which program may be varied as desired.For example, the fabrics may be given two or more rinsing operationsinstead of the one described or a spray rinse may be employed during theperiod of extraction of the wash water. a

Throughout the specification, I have referred to drying ofthe fabrics bycentrifugal extraction. In defining the term drying,.I means the removalof' a substantial portion of the fluid from I I the fabrics or theremoval of the amount of fluid parent that I have provided improvedapparatus foriwashing and drying of fabrics, which apparatus may bemanually adjusted for effecting different operations or which may beoperated so that the various operations are successively andautomatically effected. The washing action and themethod of dischargingthe washing fluid from.

the apparatus which I employ, permit the design of a washer that issimple and economical to manufacture;

apparatus during the spin- 7 mum due to the substantially uniformdistribution of the articles in the basket after the washing period hasterminated. I This feature of the operation is extremely important whenthe apparatus is constructed for automatic operation or when thespinning operation is initiated subsetinuously rotated and directlyconnected to the motor shaft. The only adjustment to the drive mechanismduring operation'is the actuation of a single clutch between the drivingmotor 36 and the basket I0.

The washing apparatus, as a unit, is substantially symmetrical so thatit may be disposed in a casing that is symmetrical and pleasing ,to theFurthermore, the washing unit. may be' eye. readily mounted flexiblywithin the casing so that vibrations originating in the unit are nottransmitted to the casing. 1

While I have shown-my invention in but one form, it will be-obvious tothose skilled in the art that it is not'so limited, but is susceptibleof various changes and modifications without departing from the spiritthereof, and I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall beplaced thereupon as are specifically set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

- 1, In a machine for washing fabrics and the like and for extractingwater therefrom, the combination of a tub mounted for rotation about asubstantially vertical axis and having a bottom wall and a substantiallycircular vertical wall, said tub embodying a lowersump portion and anupper fabric containing portion and said tub defining the sole containerfor the wash water in which the fabrics are immersed, said tub alsoembodying passageway means located adjacent the top of thefabric-containing portion for the ingress and egress of the fabrics andfor discharging water from the tub, means for admitting water to thetub, pump means substantially conflned in the sump whereby thefabric-containing portion of the tub is substantially unobstructed, saidpump means being arranged to discharge water radially against thevertical wall of the tub adjacent the bottom of the fabric-containingportion of the tub, said vertical wall of the tub being effective fordeflecting some of said water upwardly after which such water iscirculated inwardly toward the center of the tub by the outward motionof the water discharged by the pump means, means for retaining the tubin a fixed position and for driving the pump means during washingperiods and means for rotatingthe tub during waterextracting periods.

2; In a machine for washing fabrics and the ,like and for extractingwater therefrom, the combination of a tub mounted for rotation about asubstantially vertical axis and embodying 'a lower sump portion and anupper fabric-containing portion, said tub defining the sole containerfor the wash water in which the fabrics are immersed, said tub alsoembodying passageway means located adjacent the top of thefabriccontaining portion for the'ingress and egress of the fabrics andfor discharging water from the tub, means for admitting water to thetub, pump means substantially confined in the sump whereby thefabric-containing portion of the tub is rotating the impeller at alltimes that the machine is operated, a clutch connected between the motorand the tub and means for actuating the clutch to a plurality ofpositions in one of which the tub is maintained stationary durin washingperiods and in the second of which the "tub is rotated by the motorduring water-exr tracting Pe ods.

substantially unobstructed, said pump means ineluding a rotatableimpeller and a water discharge nozzle for directing water generally in ahorizontal direction adjacentto the bottom of the fabric-containingportion of the tub, whereby the water in the fabric-containing portionis motivated in a toroidal formation, a motor for rotating the impeller,a clutch associated with the tub, and means for actuating the clutch sothat the tubis maintained stationary during are immersed, said tub alsoembodying passageway means located adjacent the top of thefabriccontaining portion for the ingress and egress of I the fabrics andfor discharging water from the tub, means for admitting water to thetub, pump means substantially confined in the sump whereby thefabric-containing portion of the tub is substantially unobstructed, saidpump means ineluding a rotatable impeller and a water discharge nozzlefor directing water generally in a horizontal direction adjacent to thebottom of the fabric-containing portion of the tub, where- 'by the waterin the fabric-containing portion is motivated in a toroidal formation, amotor for 7 tion thereof above the normal fluid level in the 4. In amachine for washing and drying fabrics, the combination of a containerrotatable about a substantially vertical axis, said container having animperforate bottom portion for containing a bodyof washing fluid andfluid discharge openings in its upper portion above the normal liquidlevel of the contained body of fluid, a perforate partition below theliquid level in the container for defining a sump in the bottom of thecontainer, a pump conflned substantially in said sump for translatingfluid from the sump to the body of fluid above said partition,

said-translated fluid being projected at relative- I ly high velocityinto the body of fluid above the partition for agitating the same, meansfor rotating .the container for centrifugally discharging the body offluid in the container and fluid from the fabrics through said openings,and means for collecting said discharged fluid.

5. In a machine for washing and drying fabrics, the combination of asubstantially cylinedrical container for washing fluid, said containerhaving a vertical axis and providedwith fluid discharge openings in anupper portion thereof, means for admitting washing fluid to the con?tainer, a perforate partition for defining a sump in the bottom ofthecontainer, pumping means confined substantially within the sump forwithdrawing fluid from. the sump and projecting it at relatively highvelocity over the upper surface of the partition for agitating thewashing fluid in the container, a shaft extending through the bottom ofsaid container for rotating the pumping means, ahollow shaftconcentrically disposed about said first-named shaft for'rotating thecontainer whereby fluid is centrifugally discharged through said fluiddischarge openings, means for collecting the discharged fluid, a motorfor rotating said shafts, a clutch connected between the hollow shaft ofthe container and the motor, a cradle structure disposed below saidcradle and having an imperforate bottomv portion and a plurality offluid discharge ports in an upper portion thereof, means for agitatingthe fluid in the basket, a motor for effecting continuous rotation ofthe agitating means relative I Said basket during all periods ofoperation of the washer, and means driven by said motor for rotatingthebasket whereby fluid in the basket is discharged through the fluiddischarge ports during drying periods, said motor being supported by thecradle, and means for flexibly'supporting the cradle.

7. In 'a machine for washing and dryingfabbrics, the combination of acradle structure, a vertical cylindrical member carried by said cradlestructure, a tub for washing fluid journaled on the cylindrical memberand having an access opening in the top thereof, said tub having aplurality of fluid discharge ports in a top poraa 'raon 7 tub, means foradmitting washing fluid to the tub, an impeller for agitating the fluidin the tub, a shaft for the impeller journaled in said cylindricalmember, a motor for driving said shaft and carried by the cradlestructure, speed reducing mechanism driven by the motor and including adriven shaft journaled on the cylindrical member, a clutch for engagingand disengaging the tub and said driven shaft, said clutch when engagedeffecting rotation of the tub, whereby fluid in the tub is centrifugallydischarged through said ports and fluid in the fabrics is extractedtherefrom, and means including a trough for collecting fluid dischargedfrom the tub, said trough being supported by the cradle andencompassing. said cylindrical member.

8. In a clothes washer, the combination of a tub disposed for rotationabout a substantially vertical axis and having its lower portionimperforate for containing washing water and the fabrics immersedtherein, said tub having openings formed in the upper portion thereoffor the 9 discharge of wash water during periods when the tub isrotated, means disposed adjacent the bottom of the tub for agitatingwater'contained therein, first and second shafts concentrically arrangedfor driving the agitating means and the tub, respectively, a cradle forrotatably supporting said shafts, a clutch carried at least in part bythe cradle and associated with said sec-- and shaft and a substantiallycylindrical baflle structure encompassing the tub and having an annulartrough formed in'the depending portion thereof and disposed above thecradle, said trough encompassing, substantially, said shafts and itsbottom, encompassing the tub for intercepting water discharged radiallythrough saidopenings during rotation of the tub and a trough disposedbeneath the lower edge of the baflle and encompassing, substantially,the concentric shafts and said clutch.

i 10. In a clothes washer, the combintion of a tub having its lowerportion imperforate for containing washing water and the fabricsimsaidtrough being carried by the cradle structure and encompassing theclutch.

11. In apparatus for washing fabrics or the like, the combination of atub having an imperforate lower portion forcontaining washing fluid and.the fabrics contained therein, said tub having a plurality of fluiddischarge openings circumferentially spaced in an upper'portion thereof,an impeller for agitating the water in the tub and having a drivingshaft extending downwardly through the bottom of the tub, a second shaftconcentrically arranged with respect to the first-mentioned shaft forrotating said tub about a substantially vertical axis, said impellershaft being journaled within the second shaft for rotation with respectthereto, a cradle structure for rotatively supporting both of saidshafts, a substantially cylindrical baflie encompassingthe tub fordeflecting water discharged, through said openings downwardly, asubstantially annular trough carried by the cradle structure and havinga depending portion of said baiiie extending therewithin and spacedtherefrom, said trough .en-

mersed therein and having openings formed in anupper portion thereof forthe discharge of washing water, a cradle structure disposed below thetub for supporting the same so that it may be rotated about asubstantially vertical axis, an impeller disposed within the tubadjacent the bottom thereof for agitating the-wash-- ing water, a shaftfor driving the impeller and extending through the bottom of the tub, afluid-tight seal interposed between the tub and said shaft, means forrotating the tub, a clutch for controlling rotation of the tub, a baiiiestructure encompassing the tub and having its bottom edge disposed abovesaid cradle structure and a substantially annular trough arrangedbeneath the bottom edge of said baflle structure for the collection ofwater discharged from the. tub,

compassing said first and second shafts, and means associated with saidimpeller shaft for discharging water from the trough.

12. Ina machine for washing and drying fabrics, the combination of acradle structure, atub for washing fluid having fluid discharge ports inan upper-portion thereof and rotatably supported by and above the cradlestructure, a substantially horizontal perforate partition disposedwithin the tub for defining a sump at the bottom thereof,-a pump housingwithin the sump and provided with fluid passages, said pump housinincluding a portion above the partition and having a plurality ofradially-extending fluid discharge ports formed therein, an impeller inthe pump housing, a motor for driving said impeller continuously duringall periods of operation of the machine and carried by the cradlestructure, a member journaled on the cradle structure and driven by themotor for rotating'the tub, and a clutch interposed between said drivenmember and the tub.

13. In apparatus for washing fabrics and for subsequently extractingwater therefrom, the combination of a basket for containing the waterand fabrics and disposed for rotation about a substantially verticalaxis, an agitator coaxially disposed within the basket, means forcontinuously rotating the agitator relative the basket in a singledirection during both washing and extracting periods, and means forrotating the basket during extracting periods, so that the speed of theagitator relative to the basket is dif? ferent in the washing andextracting periods.

14. In apparatus for washing fabrics and for subsequently extractingwater therefrom, the combination of a basket for containing the waterand fabrics and disposed for rotation about a substantially verticalaxis, an agitator coaxially disposed within the basket, means forcontinuously rotating the agitator relative the basket in a singledirection during both washing and extracting periods, and means forrotating the basket in the same direction as the agitator dur ingextracting periods 'so that the'speed of the agitator relative to thebasket is relatively high during washing periods and relatively lowduring extracting periods.

axis,, means arranged withinthe container for agitating the fabrics inthe cleaning fluid. drlvin; means for actuating the agitator duringwashing perloa; and for rotating the container structure for eentrlmglngcleaning fluid from the fabrics, said container and driving means 5 tureand providing for rocklng movement 0! the unit structure in verticalplanes and providing for horizontal translations of the unit structure.said flexible supporting means being effective to restrain theunltstructure against vertical translations.

' FRANK E.

